The Most Comfortable Open Back Headphones In 2024

Harlan Ellison By, Harlan Ellison
Updated
SENNHEISER HD 599 Open Back Headphone, Ivory
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: SENNHEISER HD 599 Open Back Headphone, Ivory

This Sennheiser HD 599 Headphone offers superior sound quality with a powerful 25 mm driver unit, delivering high efficiency, excellent dynamics and extremely low distortion. This model is also equipped with a generously padded headband and luxurious velour covered ear pads that are perfect for long listening sessions. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Philips Audio Philips SHP9500 HiFi Precision Over-Ear Headphones

Philips SHP9500 are Hi-Fi audiophile headphones that deliver a full spectrum of sound with a 50mm neodymium driver. Enjoy long wearing comfort with a double layered headband cushion and ear cushions which can be removed for washing or replacement. Read Review

3. Best Versatile: Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X Audiophile Open-Air Headphones Black

Audio Technica's ATH-AD700X headphones are ideal for listening for long hours. They offer unbeatable comfort and a natural listening experience. These open-air headphones are lightweight and comfortable thanks to their honeycomb aluminum case. The newly designed 53mm Audio Technica drivers with bobbin-wound CCAW voice coils produce spacious sound with superior highs and mids. Read Review

4. Best Sound Quality: Philips Audio Fidelio X2HR Over-Ear Open-Air Headphone 50mm Drivers- Black

The Fidelio X2HR combines iconic design with an impeccably clear and detailed sound range. The double-layered ear shells of the Philips are designed to reduce resonance and vibration, resulting in a flawless sound with genuine precision and uncompromised detail. The X2HR's solid, layered construction ensures durability, making it the ideal home music companion. Read Review

The most comfortable open-back headphones allow the listener to hear the outside world while listening to music. This is usually a good thing, as it will enable you to be more immersed in your music. However, some people find open-back headphones more distracting than anything else.

Many find them so distracting that they’re one of the things that make open-back headphone users want to go back to closed-back headphones. If you love listening to music while taking in the beauty of nature and wildlife, then you’ll appreciate how open-back headphones can offer this experience. However, an enclosed design might suit you better if you’d rather not have this experience and would rather have a little peace and silence when listening to your favorite tunes.

You'll have an easier time deciding with our SENNHEISER HD 599 Open Back Headphone, Ivory recommendations with Dual Noise Sensor technology. Howevtor, to provide the reader with a wider variety of alternatives, we recommend adding the Philips Audio Philips SHP9500 HiFi Precision Over-Ear Headphones if you are interested in purchasing another appealing one.

Here are the buying guides that we specially made for you guys. Follow all the words below for successful shopping!

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 SENNHEISER HD 599 Open Back Headphone, Ivory
Our Score:
9.9
Sennheiser Consumer Audio
  • Premium, around-ear, open back headphones: Audiophile sound combined with premium design and materials
  • Timeless design cues: Ivory color, matte finish together with the brown headband stitching and matte metallic detail convey quality at first glance
  • Premium Components: Sennheiser engineered transducers use aluminum voice coils delivering high efficiency, excellent dynamics and extremely low distortion
  • Padded headband and luxurious velour covered ear pads perfect for long listening sessions with no pressure on the ears
  • Power source type: Battery
  • Multiple connectivity options: Robust 3 meter detachable cable and 6.3 millimeter jack and additional 1.2 meter detachable cable with 3.5 millimeter Jack
  • Connectivity technology: Wired
TOP Choice #2 Philips Audio Philips SHP9500 HiFi Precision Over-Ear Headphones
Our Score:
9.8
Philips Audio
  • Finishing of connector: gold-plated, acoustic system: open, Magnet type: neodymium
  • Comfortable double layered headband cushion, breathable ear cushion for longer wearing comfort
  • 50mm neodymium drivers deliver full spectrum of sound
  • 1.5m cable gives you freedom of movement for indoor use
TOP Choice #3 Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X Audiophile Open-Air Headphones Black
Our Score:
9.7
Audio-Technica
  • Connector Type: 3.5mm
  • 53 mm drivers reproduce clear treble and midrange. Connectivity Technology: Wired
  • Sensitivity: 100 dB/mW . Full open-air type headphones produce no sense of pressure on the ears, resulting in a completely natural sensation
  • Lightweight aluminum honeycomb casing with excellent acoustic properties
  • Self-adjusting 3D Wing Support provides a comfortable listening experience; total ear-fit design minimizes pressure. Maximum Input Power: 700 mW
  • Frequency Response - 20 – 20, 000 Hz and Impedance - 45 ohms
  • Bobbin-wound CCAW voice coils for superior power handling. Impedance: 38 ohms
  • Acoustic open-back architecture
  • Connector Type: 3. 5Mm Stereo; 1/4-Inch
  • 3.5mm detachable oxygen-free cable (3m) 3 5 mm to 6 3 mm adapter and cable management clip included
  • Lightweight self-adjustable hammock with 3D mesh and genuine leather outer headband
  • Replaceable deluxe memory foam ear-pads with breathable velour finishing
  • 50 mm high definition neodymium drivers with LMC diaphragm
  • Hi-res Audio Certified with extended response frequencies
  • Engineered double layered ear-shells with pre-tilted speaker plates
  • Hand selected matched driver elements; Highly optimized magnet systems for minimum harmonic and inter modulation distortion
  • Improved frequency response is 10 39,500 Hertz ( 10 dB)
  • Specially designed acoustic silk ensures precision damping over the entire frequency range and helps to reduce THD to an incredible 0.05 percent
  • Cable length 118 inches
  • High power neodymium magnets deliver maximum efficiency; 3.5 millimetre jack plug. Frequency response (Headphones):10 41000 Hz
  • Lightweight aluminum voice coils for very fast transient response
  • Breathable fabric earpads and improved wing support provide long-wearing comfort
  • High-efficiency magnets and pure alloy magnetic circuit design reduce distortion and ensure accurate and extended high-frequency response
  • Carbon composite resin improves structural rigidity to provide detailed transient response
  • Acoustically transparent, aluminum honeycomb-mesh housings provide a natural and spacious open-back sound
  • Feather-light weight (approx. 210 g w/o cable) and robust construction make headphones perfectly suited for professional use
  • Acoustically Invisible Stealth Magnet Unlike the sound waves created by a conventional magnet, the special shape of Stealth Magnets enables the waves to pass through the magnets without generating interference. HIFIMAN’s advanced magnet design is acoustically transparent, dramatically reducing wave diffraction turbulence that degrades the integrity of the sound waves. The reduced distortion yields pure sonic output that is accurate and full-range.
  • The HE400SE’s high sensitivity makes it the perfect match for low-voltage sources, including portable hi-res. audio players.
  • Durable Connections The headphone’s drivers are protected by a newly designed casing for enhanced durability and protection from the elements. A dual-sided high-performance 3.5mm cable is packaged with a 6.35mm adapter for maximum compatibility with a wide range of devices.
  • Maximum Comfort for Hours of Listening Pleasure Thanks to its newly designed adjustable lightweight headband, the HE400se remains cool and comfortable for hours, even in excessively warm weather.
  • What is a planar headphone? What are its benefits over other designs? Planar headphones feature conductive layers that cover nearly the entire diaphragm, resulting in significantly lower distortion than conventional dynamic headphones.
8 SENNHEISER HD 559 Open Back Headphone - Black
Our Score:
9.1
Sennheiser Consumer Audio
  • Open back, around ear design. Connectivity Technology: Wired
  • Powered by proprietary Sennheiser 38 millimeter, 50 ohm transducers
  • Soft, replaceable ear pads for enhanced comfort
  • Robust 3 meter detachable cable and 6.3 millimeter jack
  • HIFIMAN’s NEO “supernano” Diaphragm (NsD): The new NsD is 75% thinner than previous designs, resulting in fast response and detailed imaging with lush, full range sonics.
  • Acoustically Invisible Stealth Magnet: Unlike the sound waves created by a conventional magnet, the special shape of Stealth Magnets enables the waves to pass through the magnets without generating interference. HIFIMAN’s advanced magnet design is acoustically transparent, dramatically reducing wave diffraction turbulence that degrades the integrity of the sound waves. The reduced distortion yields pure sonic output that is accurate and full-range.
  • The Headband: The light weight, ergonomically accurate offers maximum comfort for hours of listening pleasure. The exterior is refined matte black material, and the interior features high-grade memory foam for the most comfortable fit and elasticity. The headphone’s structural design supports overall durability that retains its comfortable fit for years of enjoyment.
  • A Major Upgrade of the Popular Edition X: The new Edition XS expands on its predecessor’s achievements with several essential upgrades. Featuring Stealth Magnet Technology and the company’s NEO supernano Diaphragm, the Edition XS produces a wide, natural soundstage that puts the listener in the best seat in the house. Edition XS from HIFIMAN brings the depth and range of well-recorded music to an affordably priced headphone.
  • The Cable: HIFIMAN’s new 3.5mm sockets are similar to those found on most common audio devices. The supplied 3.5mm cable is user changeable and replaceable.
  • Open-Back Design With Spacious Sound. Ideal For Listening To Your Favorite Music Everyday At Home
  • All New Philips Shp9600 With The Perfect Blend Of Performance, Comfort, And Quality
  • Perfectly Tuned 50 Mm Drivers Deliver Crisp Bass, Balanced Midrange, And Prstine High Frequencies.
  • The Drivers Are Engineered To Fit The Ear'S Natural Geometry, Ensure No Detail Is Lost.
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Buying Guides For Efficiently Picking The most comfortable open back headphones

Experts advise that it is necessary to take a close look at the style, functionality, and value of the items you love. The most highly recommended way to know if a product is the best is by its quality checking.

The quality of the most comfortable open back headphones will be a vital factor, which plays a decisive role in your experience of this product. Moreover, you guys always wanna products with high-quality standards and valuable characteristics, which best suits your desired needs.

So, how can you know if your selected most comfortable open back headphones is of the best quality? The buying guide section below will present to you some tips for the most efficient purchase. Take a close look at the following guides!

Durability

A headphone shouldn't be considered disposable technology. This year's headphones will not be outdated six months from now, unlike almost all other consumer electronics. A pair of good headphones should last at least ten years.
Make sure you check the quality of headphones before purchasing. For example, some earbuds or portable devices can be quite fragile. Are the hinges strong enough to hold the headphones together for storage? Or will they break in just a few months? Remember that headphones' earpads, earbuds, and headphone cables will experience a lot of wear over their lifetime.

Accessories

Accessories are equally important for wired models. The manufacturer should include an aux cable. It is a good idea to get headphones with an carrying case, charger cable, user manual, extra tips, or ear cups.

Headphone Type

Do you prefer a pair of headphones that are sealed or in-ear? Is active noise cancellation technology available in a headphone?
It is important to consider comfort. You might be using your headphone at least 4-5 hours per days. Would you choose a product that is strong but also isolates you well? Would you choose a larger can, which is lighter but still portable, or a smaller can?

Design

The design is often more important than everything. Do you want in-ear or on-ear headphones, as well as over-ear and under-ear models? Wireless or wired? Sporty or luxury? These headphones can be worn for many occasions so you need something that fits your needs. No matter what type of headphones you decide to get, ensure that they are sturdy, lightweight, comfortable, and easy to transport.

Mobile App

Most popular headphones and earbuds have an app that allows you to control your audio experience.
Some apps allow you to pair the device and control the settings, while others let you manually adjust the volume and bass levels of the headphones or earbuds.

Special Features

A lot of earbuds or headphones have bonus features like Dolby Atmos support, spatial audio and adaptive EQ. You can also participate in calls and video calls when they are paired with your phone.
Many of these earbuds can be used with either your phone's native app or a separate app that allows you to locate an errant earbud quickly. Most headphones, however, aren't waterproof or water-resistant.
Consider the audio type and the place you will be listening. Then, pick the headphones that have the most common features and functions.

Audio Quality

The second option is sound. There are many models that offer different sound quality. You want to choose headphones that suit your taste. With the companion app, some models can be customized to produce a sound that suits their needs.

FAQs

Does A Higher Price Tag Mean The Headphones Will Sound Better?

Not necessarily. It's surprising that so many people spend hundreds on smartphones but don't want to buy quality headphones. However, you shouldn't assume that all cheap headphones are equal.

How Do Noise-canceling Headphones Work?

Two types of noise-canceling exist: active and passive. Passive noise cancellation is where noise is blocked by headphones. Earbuds that are too close to your ears, such as over-the-ear or earbuds, can block the sound.
The active noise cancelling headphones feature a microphone to pick up noise and produce an opposing sound wave that blocks it.

Do I Need A Headphone Amplifier?

The quality of portable MP3/CD players' amplifiers can be affected by the headphones you use. They aren't responsible for this. The little guys must power both their electronic devices and internal amplifiers using very few volts. The sound quality of some home AV receivers with headphone jacks can be very variable.

How Do Wireless Headphones Work?

The wireless headphones can be powered by batteries and pair with an infrared or radio signal. Bluetooth technology is available on many devices, which makes it easy to connect and provides high-quality audio.

What Is The Difference Between Headsets, Headphones, And Earphones?

- A headset is an amalgamation of headphones and microphones. Gaming headsets are most popular.
- Headphones can be worn on the ears or over-ear.
- Earphones can be described as small, earbud-shaped earbuds that are worn inside the ears.

If I Lose The Eartips That Came With My Headphones, Do I Need To Purchase A New Pair?

Absolutely, unless you are just trying something different. If you don't have the funds, you can contact the manufacturer to get a replacement pair. It can be frustrating to lose an earbud because they only have one size. Comply has a range of aftermarket tips to suit your brand if you are in an adventurous mood.

Are Wired Headphones Better Than Wireless?

Wireless headphones generally have better sound quality than wired headphones. However, there has been so much advancement in audio technology in the last few years that you won't notice any difference with most of the top wireless headphones.
We recommend that audiophiles keep choosing wired headphones. It's up to you, the individual. Wireless headphones are a good choice if you prefer wireless headphones and they offer more convenience. You won't regret buying a high-quality pair if you want to enjoy the best sound quality.

Conclusion

In short, we’ve included all the most outstanding most comfortable open back headphones found on the market during this time. Simultaneously, the detailed description and useful tips for most comfortable open back headphones selection are shown with clarity. In case you cannot afford these options, then the Mackie MC Series Professional Monitoring Open-Back Headphones will be your new buddy. If you want more information about the most comfortable open back headphones, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is always here to support you guys!

 


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About Harlan Ellison

Harlan Ellison

Harlan Ellison is a writer and audio equipment enthusiast. He's particularly interested in home theater HiFi audio, and he has been the editor of The Audio Insights since its inception. Harlan is known for his sharp wit and scathing critiques, but he also has a great love of music and audio gear. When he's not writing or editing, Harlan can be found listening to music or watching movies with his wife.